Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Oil Consumption?!?!

Every engine is different with oil consumption. It is normal for even a new engine or a low mileage engine to burn some oil. If oil consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles, then there's a problem that needs to be fixed. But anything better than that is OK. Motor Trend had a Porsche Carrera 4 on a 1 year test once that burned 1 quart every 1,500 miles, ever since it was new. They were told by Porsche that it was within normal parameters. The car ran perfect and no smoke, and they never had a problem with the engine in the year they had it.

My '96 SE's Duratec does not burn a drop of oil between oil changes, and never has. I'm actually kind of finding it strange now that its approaching 100k, and still doesn't burn a drop. I just got lucky with a very close tolerance engine from the factory, and the regular oil changes I do have paid off I suppose.

As for FRAM filters, I have used them for many years and never had a problem. Millions of others have done the same and never had a problem. In fact, many experienced mechanics swear by FRAM. If there was a legitimate problem with FRAM filters, you would be hearing of widespread engine problems caused by them. Especially since all those Pennzoil filters installed by Jiffy Lube are all made by FRAM. That's a LOT of engines on FRAM filters - if there was a problem, you'd hear about it. I saw that amateur's web site that cut apart different oil filters to see what they were made of. I understand where he's coming from, but he has ZERO scientific evidence of the performance of any of the oil filters. Only his personal observations, and educated guesses influenced by his engineering background.